Racing: Cup tilt on the line for Banker

London Banker will contest the Bay Of Plenty Cup (2100m) at Tauranga today. Photo / Race Images

London Banker will be out to continue his winning streak at Tauranga today when he lines up in the Bay Of Plenty Cup (2100m).

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained four-year-old has won his last two starts and his connections are hoping he can add another to his tally this weekend.

"He has done nothing wrong of late and his work has been very good," James said. "He impressed when he won last start, but it is a solid field he is meeting."

The son of Tavistock has recorded two of his three wins over today's 2100m distance and James has been impressed with the way he has improved this preparation.

"He has been a frail horse up until the last three months and I am still feeling my way with him still," he said. "I have no doubt he will be a better horse next preparation."

With a pleasing result today London Banker could book his first tilt at black-type racing.

"If we get through Saturday okay I would probably look at the Hawke's Bay Cup (Listed, 2200m) with him."

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works with the stable's Australian ambitions this autumn, however, two stable runners are still set to cross the Tasman.

"Two Illicit is still on track for the Vinery (Group 1, 2000m). She has come through the (New Zealand) Derby (Group 1, 2400m) tremendously well. She has thrived since and is in wonderful order.

"I have also got Hasstobegood going to Melbourne and she will race in the Bendigo Guineas (Listed, 1400m) next Saturday."

Sherrif was originally earmarked to head to Australia as well, however, the decision has been made to keep him home and target him towards the Group 2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) next week.

"Sherrif is not going over now, it just got a bit difficult," James said. "He will probably go to Awapuni next week."

Sherrif will likely be joined by Group 1 performer Rondinella who pleased James with her last start sixth-placing in the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. "She ran the quickest 600m of her life in the New Zealand Stakes, but trying to chase down a Telegraph winner (Avantage) that was able to sprint in front and run 32 and a bit was too tough. We ran 33 and a fraction ourselves.

"She may go to Awapuni as well."

● There remain a few unknown variables to overcome, but the green light has been given by syndicate manager Adrian Clark to press on to the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) with exciting filly Jennifer Eccles.

Clark met with trainer Shaune Ritchie yesterday afternoon and the pair have elected to press on with a preparation for the Australian feature after she pulled up well from her victory in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham last Saturday.

However, there remain a few variables the team will have to overcome to make it to Randwick on April 11.

"We are going to press on. She is going to be trained as if she is going to Sydney for the Oaks. That is the plan at this stage," Ritchie said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a large spanner into the works and it is likely to disrupt plans of sending stablemate Swords Drawn to the Queensland Winter Carnival.

Swords Drawn will contest the Bay of Plenty Cup at Tauranga today.

"I am delighted with him," Ritchie said.

- NZ Racing Desk